Notebook: Final drive vs. Bears nearly didn't happen

10:24 PM,
Dec. 30, 2013

Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn converts a first down on a fourth-and-short in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Coach Mike McCarthy nearly elected to punt on the play but was convinced by his offense to go for it. Jim Matthews/Press-Gazette Media

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He wasn't perfect, but Aaron Rodgers gave the Green Bay Packers' offense exactly what it needed in his first game back from a fractured left collarbone.

While the 85.2 quarterback rating might suggest a par-for-the-course performance, Rodgers was the catalyst in resurrecting the Packers in the second half of a 33-28 victory over Chicago to capture the team's third consecutive NFC North title.

In his first game since a Nov. 4 encounter with the Bears, Rodgers completed 11-of-17 passes for 167 yards in the final 30 minutes with two touchdown strikes to receiver Randall Cobb, including a ...